The Magnificent Seven

John Sturges

About the Movie

Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai (1954) is westernized as The Magnificent Seven. Yul Brynner plays Chris, a mercenary hired to protect a Mexican farming village from its annual invasion by bandit Calvera (Eli Wallach). As Elmer Bernstein's unforgettable theme music (later immortalized as the "Marlboro Man" leitmotif) blasts away in the background, Chris rounds up six fellow soldiers of fortune to help him form a united front against the bandits. The remaining "magnificent six" are played by Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Robert Vaughn, James Coburn, and (the one that everybody forgets) Brad Dexter. Though jam-packed with action, William Roberts's screenplay pauses long enough to flesh out each of its characters, allowing the audience to pick their own favorites. The Magnificent Seven was followed by three sequels, not to mention dozens of imitations.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful

by
Botero17

A great movie, a great showcase of talent, the most pure western, a must have for every generation...

If you don't have it - buy it. Or rent.

by
Maxim R.

No words can describe its meaning for American cinema, no words can describe how good it is, no words can describe genius play by Yul Briner. You certainly must watch it if you haven't, because it was shown even in Soviet Union. It is the greatest western I have ever seen.

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by
UticaMan

This movie is phenominal in action and characterization. Check out how Star Wars, the first movie, ( now called IV ), is similar with Obi Wan taking on the mentor role like Chris in the Magnificent Seven. Too bad Lucas lost his way. But this movie was never so hyped and so can be watched and enjoyed on any given rainy night. If you let your kids watch Star Wars, they should see this one too.